Spin the Bottle

Chapter 2

"Wake up, Zurey," Alex's voice whispers.

I open my eyes slightly. "Hm?"

"I said wake up."

"What time is it?" I murmur, not noticing that Alex is holding me in his arms.

Alex shakes his head. "It's midnight. Clarity's not back yet. I'm starting to get worried."

"She knows how to handle herself." I start to drift off again.

"Zurey," Alex says again.

"Hm?" I ask, snuggling closer to him.

Alex sighs. "Don't you want to sleep in a bed?"

"Here's fine."

Alex sighs again. "You're too much, Zurey."

"I get that a lot," I whisper. "Stay with me. For old time's sake."

Alex shifts his position. "Whatever you say..."

I lay my head on his chest.

"Goodnight, Zurey."

"Night."

I wake up to the sound of a door slamming.

Alex seems to hear it too.

We both sit up.

"I can't believe you did that!" Peter snaps angrily.

"I didn't know!" Clarity yells.

"You could've been killed!" Peter yells back.

Alex stands up as the two walk into the living room. "Peter, what—"

"I was just leaving," he mutters. He picks up his sweatshirt and leaves.

Alex scowls. "What the hell was that?" he growls at Clarity.

She doesn't meet his gaze.

"Clarity," Alex snarls. "Answer me. What happened?"

"I...the party last night. It was three a.m. I tried to drive myself home knowing...knowing I was drunk. Peter...he found me pulled over on the side of the highway. I was passed out."

Alex's scowl deepens. His fists clench.

I stand, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down," I say gently.

"That's not as easy as it sounds," Alex says through gritted teeth.

"I know just...try okay?"

Alex takes a deep breath.

I look Clarity in the eyes.

She gets my message and leaves.

"Are you alright?" I whisper.

Alex sits back down on the couch, his face in his hands. "I just wish she wasn't like this. I don't even know if I can trust her anymore. Who knows what she says when she's drunk..."

I sit down next to him. "I wouldn't worry about it, okay? Even in...that state, I know she wouldn't do anything to hurt you."

Alex leans against me. "I'm glad you're still my friend."

"Me too."

Alex starts to smile.

"What?" I ask.

"I just had an idea, but you'd hate it."

I give him a look.

Alex grins.